Night Song

The Dutch Karel van Steenhoven (*1958) has written several compositions for the renowned Amsterdam Loeki Stardust Quartet which was co-founded by him. But he also wrote other works for the recorder: In 'Nachtzang' ('Night Song') soprano voice and alto recorder perform with each other. Van Steenhoven was inspired by a poem by Adriaan Roland Holst in which the latter describes a ritual chant. Singing voice and instrumental part are closely interlocked, other instrumentations (perhaps as recorder duet) are possible. A recorder perpetuum mobile with a soprano 'chorale' is followed by a middle section characterized by gestures until, due to the return to the beginning, the circle is complete. A composition which demands inventiveness and the courage to experiment from both performers – with the freedom of improvisation being part of the performance.